St. Rita of Cascia High School’s Curriculum will:
- Enhance the rigor of our Augustinian, college prep program by requiring all students to take 7 classes each semester;
- Offer 8 semesters of Theology classes for all students;
- Offer 17 exciting elective and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Theology, English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Physical Education/Health;
- Require credit in Fine Arts for graduation;
- Assist juniors and seniors to take control of their own course of studies while still meeting or exceeding all graduation requirements;
- Help juniors and seniors to target their course choices toward areas of strength, interest and need;
- Offer seniors a competitive advantage in college selection and admissions;
- Offer faculty professional time to work on curriculum development, grading and teaching techniques; and
- Use our time more efficiently for the benefit of students and faculty.
*Click here for a comprehensive listing of elective courses and their descriptions
Beginning with the Class of 2015, students will earn 28 credits for graduation.
Excellence in Academics
St. Rita of Cascia High School is completely committed to a College Preparatory curriculum. All students are placed in an academic program that is tailored to meet their needs. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents.
The Augustinian Academy allows qualified students the opportunity of accelerated course work. The Mendel Academic Program provides students all the essential tools for success at the college level. The program structured through the Villanova Academic Study Center provides individual attention, small group work, and advice regarding study and organizational skills to those who need some assistance. All students, regardless of their academic program, may avail themselves of the services offered by the Villanova Academic Study Center.
We are proud of our students and proud that the United States Board of Education has cited St. Rita as an Exemplary Secondary school. 98% of the class of 2010 continued on to college. The class of 2010 earned 11.5 million dollars in merit-based scholarships, and are currently enrolled in prestigious universities across the country.
Diploma Requirements
All Students, including those involved in the Villanova Academic Study Center, must meet the same college preparatory graduation requirements of St. Rita High School:
- 4 Years Theology
- 4 Years English
- 3 Years Math
- (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II required)
- 3 Years Science (Biology required)
- 3 Years Social Studies
- (U.S. History and American Government required)
- 2 Years Foreign Language (Same language)
- 1 Semester Health
- 7 Semesters of Electives (minimum)
- Pass a comprehensive exam on the United States and Illinois Constitutions
In addition to the academic diploma requirements, students are required to complete service hours and write a reflection paper in each of the freshman, sophomore, and junior years.
Faculty
St. Rita High School employs 49 faculty members, 23 of whom hold advanced degrees. The Student-Teacher ratio is 15:1.
Honors Courses
St. Rita High School offers honors level courses to qualifying students in the following subject areas:
English | Mathematics | Social Studies | Foreign Languages | Science | Technology
Advanced Placement Courses
St. Rita High School offers advanced placement level courses to qualifying students in the following:
AP Art: 2D Design | AP Chemistry | AP Latin | AP Spanish | AP Art: Studio Drawing | AP English | AP Music | AP U.S. History | AP Calculus | AP French | AP Psychology | AP World History
Class Rank
St. Rita High School student rank is calculated at the end of each semester using cumulative grade point averages. Student rank incorporates cumulative grade point averages that may be weighted with additional value for honors and/or advanced placement courses.
Academic Honor Roll
St. Rita High School has two levels of distinction for academic excellence, which are:
Gold (first) Honors: Student earned a semester GPA of at least 4.0
Silver (second) Honors: Student earned a semester GPA of 3.0-3.99
Transcript Information
St. Rita High School’s academic year is divided into two semester with official grades reported in January and June.
Abbreviations used on the transcripts include:
- H: Honors Course
- AP: Advanced Placement Course
- SS: Summer School Course
- W: Withdrawal
- F-WD: Failure-Withdrawl
Summer school grades are not averaged into the GPA. Physical education courses are taken for credit, however, grade points are not awarded.
